Scooter in the Sticks

Exploring life on a Vespa Scooter and Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle.

Living Without a Scooter

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Belgian Sheepdog meditating in gardenDaily Meditation

My dog Junior models the contemplative life for me — moments of quiet reflection coupled with simple acts of focus and pleasure; tennis balls, Milkbones, naps and walks.  As I squirm with desire to be riding he reminds me that peace is a construct of the mind and I can create my own reality.

Even if means scooterless living while waiting for my Vespa GTS to emerge from repair world.

hydrandgea climbing up a postThe Vespa Maintenance List

Each morning I wander through our garden with the dogs, stepping slowly into the day.  The garden has maintenance needs, just like the Vespa scooter.  As a living system I’ll never fully meet its demands or achieve all the things Kim or I would like to accomplish. The hydrangea in the photo will so reach the limits of the locust post its growing on.  Plans are in the works to build a much taller structure for it.

The Vespa is completely different.  It’s usually a fixed list.  Currently a long one.  For those of you wondering what you might have to do with a scooter at 32 thousand miles here’s the list:

  • Voltage regulator
  • Clutch and driven/drive pulley assemblies
  • CVT drive belt, rollers and related parts
  • New Heidenau K61 tires, mounting balancing, etc.
  • Engine and transmission fluid and filter replacement

I had neither the time or inclination to take on the work.  And I trust the technicians at Kissell Motorsports.

dog running through wooded gardenRemain in Motion

Over time we’ve created pathways and trails through our woodland landscape.  After my heart attack last year it was strongly suggested I change my exercise habits including healthy doses of walking.  Led by the dogs I can easily walk a half mile before breakfast doing a four or five circuits around the garden.

Beyond exercise I want to keep my mind in motion.  Riding the Vespa helps as does writing and photography in not abandoning life to the easy chair and television.

In (temporary) scooterless living an easy walk is a blessing.

Two Belgian Sheepdogs in garden

Why Didn’t You Buy a New Vespa?

More than a couple people have focused their attention my way in terms of buying a new scooter.  I refused to believe Junior and Lily are wondering the same thing. But many question the expense of maintenance on a ten year old machine, especially when the expense may reach to more than half its value.

With plenty of evidence of the Vespa engine’s lifespan I’m comfortable I’ll be riding many more miles.  And certainly for less money that buying a new scooter.

Until I get the scooter back I’ll be focused on other things.  Garden renovation, construction or maybe another foray into my darkroom.  The opportunities for non-riding adventures are limitless.